HC Deb 20 May 1994 vol 243 c614W
Ms Harman

To ask the President of the Board of Trade pursuant to the answer of 12 May,Official Report, columns 232–34, what were the principal causes of the difference between the figure for expenditure by the Department of Trade and Industry of £3,340 million in 1993–94 and the equivalent figure of £3,630 million published in table 5B.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The figures shown in table 5B.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" 1994–95 and on 12 May,Official Report, columns 232–34 for trade and industry expenditure include expenditure by nationalised industries and regulatory departments as well as the Department of Trade and Industry. The principal cause of the difference between the two figures is a reduction in estimated expenditure by British Coal reflecting reduced capital expenditure and tighter control of operating costs. The figures shown on 12 May are subject to revision and may differ from the figures eventually published in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" 1995–96.